Flint-based Citizens Republic Bancorp Inc.'s headcount has dropped to what it was before Citizens Banking Corp. merged with Republic Bancorp Inc. in late 2006.

In a conference call with analysts last month, Charlie Christy, Citizens Republic's chief financial officer, said the bank-holding company has 2,175 full-time equivalent employees. Michigan-based Republic had more than 1,000 employees at the beginning of 2006.

"That is evidence that we are focused on cost containment and efficiency," Christy said in the call.

In other words, 1,000 banking jobs (many in this area) have been absorbed from the pairing of the two companies.